On the morning of October 14, 33-year-old Garry Chow of Modesto was arrested in connection with the sexual assault and attempted sexual assault of two women who believed they were responding to an ad for a modeling job on the Internet. The two incidents occurred on Sept. 10 in Redwood City, according to a news report at the Redwood City-Woodside Patch.
A 23-year-old Vallejo woman was the first to respond to the ad; she arrived at the Sequoia Hospital after being told by the “agent” when responding to the ad that she would need a medical screening. She showed up in the hospital parking garage at about 1 p.m., the other woman, an 18-year-old Santa Cruz woman, about 3 p.m. Both women were met by a man (allegedly Chow) who claimed to be a doctor, then led them to a utility room in the hospital where he told each woman at the two separate times he would conduct an exam. He alleged the exam had to be performed in the utility room because the hospital was busy.
The news article reports the first woman to arrive was sexually assaulted. When the second woman arrived at 3 p.m. and was taken to the utility room, she became suspicious and called police. After investigating, authorities located the Vallejo woman and determined both women were victim’s of the same man. Chow was arrested at his home in Modesto after being identified by police. He works at the hospital as a contract security supervisor.
Chow was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and sexual battery, and booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
Sexual assault and sexual battery are serious crimes which leave the accused facing up to six months in jail or four years in prison if found guilty, depending on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
In every state, sex crimes are punished harshly. In Michigan, for example, a conviction on sexual assault charges could result in a life prison term under certain conditions. Whether penetration occurred, the age of the alleged victim, the role of the suspect (whether he/she is a person of authority such as a teacher, etc.) and other factors are considered in determining the punishment for those alleged to have committed a sex-related offense. Most who are found guilty of various sex crimes are also required to register as a sex offender. This requirement is often the most damaging, as those labeled sex offenders are shunned by society and often have a difficult time securing employment, housing, financial aid, and more.
Anyone in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids, or surrounding areas accused of sexual assault or any related offense must consult with a seasoned Michigan sex crimes lawyer immediately. A conviction can literally destroy your life; you must take action now.